Electric generator

Figure 1. An electric generator and turbine.

Electric generators are used to transform mechanical or kinetic energy into electric potential difference, also known as voltage. There are several power generation applications that require the use of electric generators. The first electric generators created direct current (DC), but later were replaced with the cheaper, more efficient alternating current. Almost all power plants use (AC) generators; the exception is photovoltaic cells.

Electric generators get their kinetic energy from a fuel (like natural gas) or a flow (like hydropower or wind). One particular kind of generator that runs off of diesel is the diesel generator; these are often useful in remote areas like Canada's far North, for the Yukon power grid.

For Further Reading

For further information please see the related pages below:

• Alternating current
• Transformer
• Electrical grid
• Electrical grid
• Or explore a random page!